Jenn's Gourd Art Blog |
Inspirations...3/4/2022 I would like to start a new little series on different artists that have inspired me and shaped my own work in one way or another. The first in this series is Beatrix Potter. Most famous for her books for children, with characters such as Peter Rabbit and Squirrel Nutkin, I am particularly attracted to her nature studies. These studies of animals, plants, fungi, landscapes, farmhouses and even furniture were indispensable to her training of observational drawing which led to her being able to create these believable characters, even though they were dressed in little jackets and pinafores! Several things stand out to me about Beatrix Potter is how she stood her ground when first negotiating her publications with Frederick Warne & Company, she did not much of a leg to stand on yet she did not compromise her values in what she wanted in her little books. She loved the area that she lived and showed that not only in her artwork but later in life as she purchased much of the land of the Lake District for the sole purpose of preservation. Mostly, I relate to her love of animals and nature, and kept a sense of wonder of fantasy and imagination from childhood through adulthood.
Later in life she confessed to growing tired of drawing rabbits, as it seemed the public had an insatiable appetite for these. I must confess I still love the rabbits! She worked hard at keeping a garden, and there were times the rabbits were not counted as friends when they were bent on destruction. There is a wonderful little article on the National Trust UK website that I recommend if you would like to read and see some of her artworks.
1 Comment
Jayne Tremaine
4/5/2022 11:06:33 am
I also love Beatrix and I appreciated your sharing.
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